Frank Sinatra collectibles and memorabilia

Brief history/description

Francis Sinatra was born on December 12th, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, and is considered to be one of the most successful vocalists of all time.

After selling numerous critically-acclaimed albums via Capitol Records (such as In the Wee Small Hours, Songs for Swingin' Lovers, Come Fly with Me, Only the Lonely and Nice 'n' Easy), he later founded his own record label, Reprise Records, in 1960.

He was also a founding member of the acting group "The Rat Pack" and achieved success as a film director and actor as well; (he even received an Oscar nomination for "Best Actor" in the 1955 film The Man with the Golden Arm)

Despite taking a brief hiatus during the 1970s, Sinatra's performances date to as far back as 1935 and up until the early 1990s. (Sinatra died on May 14th, 1998, after suffering from a heart attack).

Types of memorabilia

Clothing

Julien's in Beverly Hills sold a Frank Sinatra Monogrammed Fedora for $25,000 in December of 2010, as well as a pair of Frank Sinatra boots (circa 1980), for $3,125 and a Frank Sinatra jacket for $2,875 in June of 2011.

Hollywood Legends at Planet Hollywood sold a Mia Farrow engraved gift box from Frank Sinatra for $16,250 in June of 2010.

Christie's in New York sold a 1977 Frank Sinatra tuxedo for $1,195 in December of 2004.

Guernsey's in New York sold Sinatra's military jacket which he wore in the Manchurian Candidate film for $7,500 in March of 2008.

Accessories

Guernsey's in New York sold Sinatra's cigarette lighter for $8,000 in September of 2010.

Vehicles

Julien's in Beverly Hills sold a 1986 Jaguar Series III XJ6 which was once owned by Sinatra for $23,750 in June of 2011.

Christie's in New York sold a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S once owned by Sinatra for $150,500 in June of 2003, as well as a 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (formerly owned by Frank and Barbara Sinatra) for $56,350 in August of 1997.

Christie's in Los Angeles sold silver a 1972 Maserati Ghibli once owned by Sinatra for $43,700 in August of 1999 and a 1989 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Coupe once owned by Sinatra for $178,500 in August of 1998.

Documents

Christie's in New York sold a wine list signed by both Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio sometime during the 1960s for $2,629 in December of 2004.

GovernmentAuction.com in Tehachapi, California sold Sinatra's first driver's license for $26,200 in May of 2006.

Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas sold two signed Sinatra letters (circa 1967) for $6,000 in October of 2011.

GovernmentAuction.com in Tehachapi, California sold Ocean's 11 Original Contracts including Sinatra's signature for $78,800 in April of 2008, as well as another Ocean's 11 contract for $171,200 in January of 2008.

Photographs

Christie's in New York sold a rare collection of approximately 211 black and white photographs of Sinatra (taken between 1940 and 1945) for $8,400 in June of 2005, as well as a 1971 photograph of boxer Mohammed Ali which was taken by Sinatra for $4,830 in November of 1998.

Artwork

Christie's in Los Angeles sold a 1958 painting of a clown by Sinatra for $21,150 in June of 2000, and Christie's in New York also sold another clown painting by Sinatra (circa 1950s) accompanied with a Christmas card for $5,760 in June of 2005.

Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas sold an original Sinatra oil painting (circa 1990) for $20,000, another original Sinatra oil painting (circa 1985) for $22,000, and a 1987 acrylic painting by Sinatra for $10,000 in October of 2008.

Awards

Christie's in New York sold a 1954 Frank Sinatra Glenn Miller Award for $5,736 in December of 2004.

Albums

Guernsey's in New York sold Sinatra's first studio recording of "Our Love" (circa 1939) for $14,000 in December of 2006.

Guide for collectors

Any memorabilia that was once owned, used or signed by Sinatra is considered a hot commodity for any celebrity memorabilia collector.

Sinatra's recordings are considered extremely valuable among Sinatra memorabilia collectors, as well as contracts between Sinatra and record companies, and vehicles once owned by Sinatra as well.

Restoration of vehicles once owned by Sinatra is recommended only if there appears to be damage or if the vehicle is incapable of use.

An online Frank Sinatra memorabilia website can be found out www.blue-eyes.com, and the Frank Sinatra Fan Club (www.sinatraclub.com) has information regarding Sinatra memorabilia as well.